European custom homebuilder WeberHaus has announced plans to begin featuring Apple HomeKit in its SmartHome projects beginning this year. The company has been building custom SmartHomes for some time now featuring its own “WeberLogic 2.0” platform that utilizes the MyHomeControl app from Swiss company BootUp, however with HomeKit, WeberHaus is planning to increase the number of compatible devices that can be controlled, as well as adding more tightly integrated home control using iOS devices and Siri voice commands.
“Apple HomeKit is the control solution of choice for home manufacturers around the world, delivering a simple and secure smart home solution for new home buyers,” said Klaus-Dieter Schwendemann, marketing manager at WeberHaus. The company’s press release also notes that it chose to partner with Apple as it feels that HomeKit technology is the “global standard for the smart home,” providing a “simple and secure” solution and “interoperability between different brands and accessories throughout the home.” WeberHaus is the first European home manufacturer to add support for HomeKit.
While no specifics were offered in terms of the accessories and features that will be included in its HomeKit-enabled SmartHomes, WeberHaus notes that its HomeKit support will allow home owners to “control main home systems like underfloor heating, blinds, and the installed light system” along with other HomeKit-enabled accessories including “light bulbs, smart plugs, radiator valves, sensors for measuring air quality and water leaks, and more.” The release also notes that home owners will be able to add more devices over time and have them work seamlessly with WeberHaus’ installed HomeKit packages. The company’s first homes featuring HomeKit control are expected to be available later this year, and the company is currently showing a demo home at the World of Living exhibition in Rheinau-Linx, Germany.
